Los Angeles, California – Hayley Atwell recently shared on a podcast how her “Mission: Impossible” co-star Tom Cruise helped her navigate social anxiety in Hollywood. Atwell joined the action franchise in 2023 with “Mission: Impossible – Dead Reckoning Part One” and will return in the upcoming “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” this summer.
During her appearance on the “Reign With Josh Smith” podcast, Atwell revealed the valuable advice Cruise gave her to combat social anxiety. She mentioned how Cruise encouraged her to shift her focus from inner worries to observing her surroundings, pinpointing the sources of her insecurities or fears.
Atwell explained that by naming and identifying the root cause of her anxiety, she could then take steps to address it and move past it. Cruise’s advice to confront fears head-on and gather information on how to overcome them resonated with Atwell and provided her with a new perspective on handling social anxiety in Hollywood.
Despite “Dead Reckoning Part One” not meeting box office expectations, Atwell and Cruise’s on-screen chemistry garnered praise from critics. This collaboration marks Atwell’s second major Hollywood franchise following her role as Peggy Carter in the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The actor has expressed admiration for Cruise’s professionalism and kindness in previous interviews, highlighting his unique approach to creating a supportive environment on set.
In discussing her experience working alongside Cruise, Atwell emphasized the actor’s unparalleled work ethic and the freedom he provides for fellow actors to explore their creativity without fear of failure. Atwell credited Cruise for fostering a positive and thriving atmosphere on set, allowing her to take risks and experiment with different approaches to her craft.
For more insights from Hayley Atwell’s interview on the “Reign With Josh Smith” podcast, viewers can tune in to the video below. Atwell’s story of overcoming social anxiety with the help of Cruise’s guidance serves as a testament to the power of mentorship and support in navigating challenges in the entertainment industry.